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On the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media statement in almost two years. Within her message, she addressed news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, making the organization's position undecided.

The next day, her opinion piece was shared in full by a different media outlet, providing wider attention.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about who the league is for, it will lose its identity and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

The article broadly advocated for a ban on transgender players from the NWSL to protect “the fairness of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's integrity has been harmed—either under its previous guidelines that permitted trans athletes or its present absence of policy. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a clear identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

The league's momentum appears largely strong—viewership have grown each year, and growth to sixteen clubs is planned for the coming years.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy references the Football Association's new prohibition on trans players as a positive example. However, that restriction is believed to affect only approximately twenty amateur players out of millions registered athletes. The effect in the United States would likely be equally minimal.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes presently compete in the league. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the league celebrated its 1,000th player. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Fears and Actual Harm

The article is framed as if there is a stream of transgender athletes ready to take over the NWSL at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly bans trans players from competing in university sports. Additionally, numerous peer-reviewed research have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she experienced a wave of digital harassment. The NWSL was slow to respond in defending their star player. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

“The piece does not speak for this team in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We don't agree with the things written for a multitude of reasons, but primarily the implications come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Facing the NWSL

Even if one were to ignore these points and think that including transgender athletes represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of different challenges that have actually hindered the growth and compromised its reputation.

• Working conditions for professionals remain a concern. Several ex- club employees are suing the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and failure to prevent discrimination.
• Player care is a further area of concern. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring urgent care. The match resumed, even though players were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to revisit their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have also been challenged. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly threatened to penalize a team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and nation where they built their professional lives.

Trans athletes were not involved into any one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.